Mary Elizabeth Massey passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2024 in Overland Park, KS. Mary was born on January 28, 1927 in Garden Grove, Iowa to parents Glen B and Hazel (Lionberger) Vail.
Mary grew up in Garden Grove, Iowa where she met her future husband F. Gail Massey in junior high school. They were married September 9th, 1945 after Gail returned from the Navy.
Mary was an amazing artist. As a young girl she began sketching with a quill pen and ink. She did water color as well. She was also an amazing seamstress, and a wonderful cook and baker. (She could make something delicious out of nothing). Her ability to make flowers grow in rocks and have the most beautiful flower gardens was short of a miracle. She loved to make fashion jewelry and did so for years. She passed away with a bracelet on her wrist, rings on her fingers and a pair of ear rings in her ears!! She never left home without her lipstick on and a beautiful scarf to match her outfit. Pink was her favorite color and by far she loved a single pink long stemmed rose the best.
Mary ran a Bed and Breakfast in Camdenton, MO from 1985-1996, called the Ramblewood Inn. She was known for her morning glorious muffins, her delicious egg casserole and her sunny disposition. Many of her guests came back year after year to see her and enjoy her hospitality.
Mary has always loved animals. She had many dogs in her lifetime. Her longest companion was her little dog, Cody. She had him for over 10 years. He was always by her side.
Mary’s biggest joy and proudest accomplishments were her family. Her caring heart and her patience were two of her many wonderful qualities. She was the center of the family and the heartbeat of our home. She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection and had also been a member of the P.E.O.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert B. Vail, and her husband Gail who died in April, 1987. Mary and Gail were blessed with 5 children, Bob Massey (Nellie), Goose Creek, SC, Jack Massey (Lodie), Galveston, TX, Mike Massey (Kim), Huntsville, MO, Cindy Massey Perry (Stan), Village of Loch Lloyd, MO, and Rick Massey (Nancy), Milford, CT.
Mary is survived by her 5 children, her best friend and sister-in-law Bev (Massey) Leese. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren; Jerry (Laura), James (Corrie), Ronnie (Amy), Lance (Mandy), Tyler (Melissa), Clay (Erica), Christina, Beau, Jessica, Taylor, Lindsey, Brittany (Mike), Austin (Paula), Bert, Jenna; 17 great grandchildren; Celia, Lainey, Logan, Lena, Leela, Mason, Kaden, Quinn, Kiyah, Blake, Graci (Kari), Ashley, Bradley, Scott, Meira, William, Jackson. 4 great-great grandchildren; Penelope, Charlotte, Georgia, Navie.
Mary’s celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave, Overland Park, KS on Friday, November 15th, 11:00 a.m. Reception immediately following. Graveside service will be held at a later date in Camdenton, MO, where Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband Gail.
Donations can be made to an Animal Shelter of your choice.